Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire | Clay Pigeon Shooting

So, towards the end of last year I mentioned how I'm super keen to continue trying different things. And I mean, different things. Having tried (and adored) horse riding at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire last month, I was thrilled to return this morning with an invitation to try clay pigeon shooting. Growing up in the countryside, this is a sport I've heard plenty about - and yet had never tried for myself. Excited would be an understatement! So, after being taken out deeper into the Dogmersfield estate via Land Rover, ear defenders were positioned over my pom-pom hat (yep, definitely not a pro yet) and protective glasses were handed over. Let the fun begin!

For the next hour, I was in the safe and capable hands of John Gamblin, a man with a lifetime of experience in shooting, who now splits his time between two estates in the area. Before getting started, it was a case of getting to grips with shooting etiquette, all of which made perfect sense and did nothing to put me off giving it a go! Okay, let's just answer the obvious question. Was I any good? Yes! Or so John told me; I mean, for what's it worth he seemed like an honest man...

It's such an incredible rush when you manage to hit one of the clays in the centre and hear the cracking sound above you in the air. Speaking of sound, you will need the ear defenders as the noise can be surprisingly loud for first-timers like you and me! John was wonderfully motivating throughout and made the entire experience so much fun; I can see why this activity is so popular at the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire for both small and large groups alike.

What to wear, you ask? Comfortable clothing. Footwear needs to be flat and at this time of year you'll need to wrap up warm as you're out in an open field. Oh, and if your body shape is anything like mine, I'd advise wearing some sort of padded coat/jumper over your shoulders to counteract any potential shotgun recoil while you're learning. Other than that, the world is your oyster!

I'm so, so pleased to have been able to experience this - and to have enjoyed it so much! You can rest assured I'm now going to go through life recommending the sport to everyone; to try at least once in your lifetime. If you're at all curious and want to try out some new experiences this year, take a peek at the Estate Activities over at the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire. Equestrian experiences, falconry, clay pigeon shooting, croquet and fishing. You want it, they've got it! Have you ever tried clay pigeon shooting? Let me know in the comments below!

I'm a big believer that trying new things is good for us. Supposedly, it helps our creativity and even our brains. We sometimes forget about that, but our brain likes new experiences, they help him to grow. An activity like this one seems like a lovely way to break out of a routine. Trying new things is something we should all do. I'm not sure is this for me, but I'd be willing to give it a try.

Four Seasons Hampshire hotel certainly looks like a great place to visit. I remember your earlier visit. You look great in this outfit btw. Very country chic. Fabulous photos as well. I'm happy to hear you had such a nice time. A good instructor always makes a difference.

I have never tried clay pigeon shooting, but as my husband is a hunter I am planning to go to the shooting range with him at least once this year. Not that I plan on taking up hunting, but clay pigeons would be a target I would give a go.

I've never been clay shooting before but I went shooting last year as part of my acting course (yep, part of stunt training apparently) but I totally sucked at it! Our guns felt so heavy I was like jesus I need to do more weightlifting to even wield this thing. Archery I was great at but guns? Nope, nada. So props to you if the man thought you did well at it! That definitely doesn't happen to everyone, haha

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